Doubts over Yemen's future

In view of the current fighting in Yemen, we ask if the country is facing civil war.

The five-year long fighting between government forces and Houthi fighters in the north of Yemen has cast a shadow on the future of this Arab country.

Houthi fighters, who are Zaidi Shia Muslims, are seeking independence from a government which they say is corrupt and too close to Saudi Arabia.

The latest round of fighting started in Yemen's north last month and has continued primarily in Saada province.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 people have been displaced in the fighting in Saada and UN aid agencies are warning that Yemen is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis.

Just four hours after a truce was declared on Saturday, fighting had resumed with both sides claiming the other had broken the ceasefire.

Is Yemen heading for another civil war? And how are regional powers influencing events in a country considered a breeding ground for extremist groups?

Inside Story presenter Sohail Rahman is joined by Hakim Almasmari, the editor-in-chief of the Yemen Post, Tahar Qassim, the chairman of the Liverpool Arabic Centre, and Steven Park, the founder of Sema Group, a global security company.

This episode of Inside Story airs from Monday, September 7, 2009 at 1730GMT and 2230GMT, with repeats on Tuesday at 0430GMT and 1030GMT.